Events and the begining of Gin at South Ormsby
Well done to Nicky Haxby and her team on the success of ‘Massy Live’. It was the second the fundraising music and barbeque event has been held and this year it has raised £2400 which will be split between Syria (for Safe Schools and Medical equipment) and the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance. The sun shone and a great time was had by all! It marked the first of two busy weekends and whilst that event was on the Saturday, the Belchford Tractor Run coming through the Estate on the Sunday added a different type of entertainment. Over 40 tractors of varying ages and vintages made a spectacular sight and it was great to see them parade through. Naturally John Deeres and Massy Fergusons were included as well as rarer makes such as David Browns, Nuffields, Fords, Grey Fergis and Super Dexters.
The second weekend blessed us with great weather again and this made sure that our visiting Naturalists were able to carry out the Loves Lincs Plants survey in the grounds on Saturday. They carefully sketched the collected specimens and helped log some of the natural local species.
This Sunday saw Chapterhouse Theatre visit our Walled Garden and spectators unanimously praised their performance of Jane Austen’s ‘Sense and Sensibility’. Whilst the event seemed to run without a hitch, Events Manager, Leanne Winn, had to deal with broken generators and luxury loo problems. Unphased she managed to sort out all the issues before the public were inconvenienced (no pun intended). The 30-meter banner depicting our Lincoln Reds that had been at Cadwell was put on display and marked the entrance path to the event. Viewers arrived with their picnics and chairs, and parasols and fans were necessary due to the heat but also added that authentic Austen look. The Walled Garden really was the perfect venue and the raised stage meant everyone had a good view.
The weekdays between the two busy weekends saw a visit from Matt Chester and his family. Matt used to live on the Estate before emigrating to Australia, and he wanted to show his children the stables where his father and grandfather had looked after the Squire’s race horses. He brought his mum Barbara with him and she kindly showed us some photographs of her husband and father in law (Roger and Bob). She recognised the names of Persian Game and Irma la Douche in the tack room and even gave us a copy of the Tennyson Chronicle dating back to 1959!
On the day to day work at the Estate, Craig has been researching local rare breeds of chicken as we would like to expand our flock -if anyone out there can give us any advice about what sort we should acquire and where from we would be very grateful. Apparently, we are hearing that most rare breed varieties look pretty but are not the best layers!
Colin has now completely replanted Miss Anne’s Garden, adding his regimented and colourful flowers to the symmetrical design. He is shown here studying his plan which showed a carefully mapped out design with over 20 varieties of plants.
Elsewhere on the Estate, the steel frame has gone up for the distillery at Foreman’s Cottage. Amy and Alan are looking forward to moving in there and producing more of their renowned Pin Gin. We like both varieties the London Dry and the Strawberry! 1 Bluestone Heath Road has been completely revamped ready for new tenants. It looks great with a modern white tiled bathroom, complete with electric shower, and the whole house has been repainted. Some new carpets will finish it off nicely.
